Bulldogs Homecoming Friday

by Benita Fuzzell

Fulton High School’s Bulldogs will celebrate Homecoming Friday night in a gridiron match up against visiting West Carroll at 7 p.m., following the crowning of the 2018 Football Homecoming Queen at 6:15 p.m.

A few weeks ago, the status of the FHS team was in question, as was the role they would play in the 2018 football season.

Head Coach Harold Hutcherson was successful in his efforts to field a team, albeit initially a group of dedicated young men who took the field for more than one nine-on-nine contest, agreed upon by some scheduled opponents.

Following the Oct. 5 Homecoming game, a Saturday matchup with Russellville is set for Oct. 13, and then county neighbor Fulton County Pilots will visit Oct. 19 for the Bulldogs’ Senior Night and the final game of their regular season schedule.

After traveling to Clarksville Academy Sept. 21 and suffering a 48-0 loss, the Bulldogs hosted Crittendon County Sept. 28.

Coach Hutcherson singled out Hunter Hayes and Kire Tribble in the Clarksville Academy game, crediting each for their defensive efforts.

“Hunter was all over the field, and had a lot of solo tackles,” he said.

“Kire also did well for us on defense against Clarksville, and he had the longest run for us...got down to the 10 yard line,” he said.

Against Crittendon County, the Bulldogs were able to list 12 on the roster, however following an injury during that game when Ladarious Coble sprained a knee, Hutcherson said his status is still up in the air, regarding his ability to perform this Friday evening.

Jordan Lannom scored the touchdown for FHS in the 48-6 loss to Crittendon County, on a handoff from quarterback Hunter Hayes, dashing 80 yards late in the third quarter.

“Keith Martin did a good job for us against Crittendon County on both sides of the ball,” Coach Hutcherson said, adding he had some “good blocking.”

A key player who started off strong for the Bulldogs, Camarae Cobb, injured in the Fulton County game earlier in the season, could return to action this week, following an anticipated release from the doctor on Thursday.

“This Friday, I want to keep that score respectable. I want the team to give it their all out there. I have seen just a little of that giving up early the past two games. I want us to get back what we started off with, as far as fighting to the end,” the Head Coach said.

Hutcherson said in looking back at the differences between the team now, and at the beginning of the season, strides have been made, and growth has taken place in defensive positions, such as Corner and Tackle, citing Keith Martin’s efforts, as well as Travail Morgan.

“Travail started out at Corner, and sometimes instead of making the tackles, he seemed to be running away from the tackles...now he is making contact and getting those tackles,” he said.

“Offensively, Jordan is running harder and we have started to use Kire as an outside receiver. Hunter’s passing is improving as well,” Coach Hutcherson added.

The Bulldog skipper will only lose one senior, Keith Martin, to graduation and has three eighth graders ready to make the transition to the high school team. He plans to begin weight lifting and conditioning a couple of weeks after the football season ends in hopes of avoiding injuries when the 2019 season kicks off. He also hopes to instill in his Bulldogs a dedicated work ethic he hopes will continue throughout the summer.

Prior to the Homecoming football game, the 2018 Homecoming Queen will be announced, chosen from senior candidates Hannah Pannell, Crissie Purcell and Kereni Ware. The Homecoming Court consists of freshman Emi Govern, sophomore Tanashia Ferrell and junior Zoie Brown. Pre-game ceremonies begin at 6:15 p.m.